Crisis e independencias: España y su monarquía

Abstract

This article focuses on how the concept and practice of representation evolved during the crisis of the Spanish monarchy from 1808 onwards. It first proposes a conception of the crisis of the monarchy as a multiple process in which it evolved from a dynastic crisis to a constitutional one. Simultaneously to this evolution America appeared to be a decisive element for the solution of the crisis since it was declared an «essential» part of the Spanish monarchy by the Junta Central in 1809, ending the distinction between the metropolitan and colonial parts. This declaration was well accepted by a good part of the criollo elite whereas it was culturally impossible for the Spanish liberals to manage it in constitutional terms. This article analyses the consequences of this disruption between declarative and practical aspects of the first Spanish constitutional experience.